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McCullum fit to keep

Image: McCullum: back injury

Brendon McCullum has been passed fit to keep wicket for New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge despite a back injury.

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Fulton replaces out-of-form Marshall for New Zealand

Brendon McCullum has been passed fit to keep wicket for New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge despite a back injury. The Black Caps, 1-0 down in the series heading into the Trent Bridge decider, have made one change in their 12-man squad with Peter Fulton replacing James Marshall. Marshall struggled batting at number three during the first two Tests and has been axed for Fulton in a like-for-like switch. It had also been feared McCullum's back injury could force the tourists into another change - uncapped back-up wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins was placed on stand-by to take the gloves with McCullum poised to play as a batsman only. However, it was confirmed on Wednesday evening that - barring his condition worsening overnight - McCullum will retain the gloves.

Flynn retains place

McCullum's recovery opens the way for Daniel Flynn to retain his place in the batting order at number six. Flynn lost two teeth after being hit by a vicious James Anderson bouncer during England's six-wicket win in the second Test at Old Trafford. However, the left-hander has since returned to the fray and although he only managed scores of six and two against Northamptonshire, Vettori said he still had a chance of playing at Trent Bridge. "I have seen a lot of guys go what he's been through and the worst thing is that reluctance to go back out in the middle," said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori. "He wanted to get straight back out there at Old Trafford, went through a bit of dental surgery and whilst he didn't get the runs he wanted to at Northampton to see him get out there was the most telling sign after an injury like that. "For him to get over that hurdle as soon as possible, duck a few bouncers, will make it a lot easier for him."
Southee in contention
Swing bowling is expected to play a central role at Trent Bridge and in pacemen Chris Martin and Kyle Mills, New Zealand have bowlers who have troubled England before with their movement Teenage quick Tim Southee, who missed the Old Trafford match through illness, will contest the final place in the starting XI with Iain O'Brien. O'Brien was preferred in Manchester and Southee's hopes of a recall were not helped when he received a gashed leg in a fielding practice accident on Wednesday. During slip catches, Southee was caught by the diving Flynn's studs, which although making incisions below the knee does not rule him out of contention. New Zealand (from): JM How, AJ Redmond, PG Fulton, RPL Taylor, BB McCullum (wkt), DR Flynn, JDP Oram, DL Vettori (capt), KD Mills, TG Southee, CS Martin, IE O'Brien

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